Just a little update, the cover art for this story will be changing soon, so that'll be fun. Apart from that I hope you enjoy this chapter, the next few hold a revelation I've actually been planning since chapter 1.
More at the bottom.
This was hel. This was genuinely the worst experience Ruby had even been through. Who thought up this cruel method of torture? Who was depraved enough to make this regulation? Why on Remnant had Weiss agreed to it?!
And why was she being dragged into it?!
"What do you think?" her partner asked, several strips of fabric in both hands.
Ruby looked up at her from her bed. It was just the two of them in the room, Blake and Yang having gone off to do their own thing somewhere. She thought she remembered her sister mentioning something about seeing Sun. were they a thing? She wasn't sure… but, right now there was another matter.
"What do I think of what?" she asked.
Weiss scowled. "The colours! What do you think of them? They're supposed to be used for the decorations. Coco asked me to choose one for Sunday."
"They all look the same!" Ruby said, and they really did! They were all grey, honestly, was it a rich people thing to see a hundred different colours when there was only one?
The heiress sighed in exasperation. "I don't know why I even asked you. Come on Ruby, can you at least take this a little bit seriously? This dance needs to look good for the students attending."
Ruby shrugged. "I dunno what you want me to do. It's not like I know anything. Besides, I'm not going."
"Excuse me!" Weiss hissed, and the younger girl actually recoiled at the sheer venom in her partner's voice.
"What do you mean you're not going? Of course you are, you're the leader of team RWBY, it's paramount that you're there to represent us."
"And embarrass myself," Ruby groaned back. "I don't want to go to the dance just to sit on the sideline."
Weiss frowned. "You're being silly. Why would you sit on the sideline?"
The leader of team RWBY could only stare at her partner in disbelief. "Uh, because no one asked me to the dance? Duh."
The heiress blinked. "No… on one asked you? Why?"
She rolled her eyes. "Who's going to ask a fifteen-year-old to the dance? It's not like I'm overly active outside of our friend group, and I'm not exactly looking to ask anyone myself. I'm too young for everybody else." She sighed "Look, I'll go okay, but, like, I'll just watch from the side. I'll cheer you on with whoever asks you to the dance. Is that fair?"
Weiss' frown didn't disappear, but she relented with a huff and turned. "Fine, but you better dress well."
Ruby groaned. "Can't I just wear regular clothes?"
"No."
"You know, I am the leader here, shouldn't my decision be final?"
Her partner shot her a baleful glare. Ruby sighed.
"I'll wear a dress."
"Good… now help me pick a colour."
"AGH!" Ruby cried, falling onto the bed.
"Just pick a damn colour!"
"They're all GREY!"
This went on for a while longer.
…
…
Yang made her way through the halls of Beacon. She didn't really know where she as going, only that she was looking for Blake. Her partner had looked pretty upset this morning and vanished without much to say. Yang wasn't sure what she was upset about, like, they'd stopped Torchwick and the White Fang, kinda. Sure they didn't manage to catch them but still.
She'd counted it as a success, heck, she'd even gotten to fight a mech! She'd bragged to Nora about that one. The girl had been destroyed that she hadn't been there to join in and made Yang promise that the next time she went off to fight robots she'd tell her.
She'd agreed, although Yang wasn't sure she'd be doing it any time soon.
Now where was Blake? Sun might know, and he might be easier to find, or at least pick out of a crowd, but she didn't know where he was either.
Maybe she should ask someone?
"Hey, excuse me," She called to the next person she passed. "Do you know where I can find a guy named Sun he's got blonde hair, a tail, wears his shirt open?"
The guy she asked shrugged. "Dunno, I think I saw someone like that near the Emerald forest you guys have here. Didn't ask him why he was there though."
Yang nodded. "Thanks uh…" She trailed off.
The guy smirked. "Name's Mercury, nice to meet ya Blondie."
Oh? Yang smirked back. This guy suddenly seemed confident, but he wasn't flirting with her. She took a second look at him:
From head to toe he was dressed in black and silver, his outfit looked sleek and practical, he knew something about fashion by the looks of it. There were bullet casings wrapped around his legs, so something to do with his weapon maybe? She'd never met a guy with silver hair before, so what was the deal?
Again, he looked confident, but it wasn't in a macho way with a puffed chest and junk like that. He looked relaxed, lazy almost, but his face said he was ready for anything, that smirk had a dangerous edge to it.
Hel, if she wasn't interested in Blake Yang might have taken a shot at flirting herself.
She asked him that a second later and he shrugged. "My teams here for the festival. We got here a little late. We're from Haven."
"Haven huh?" The brawler grinned. "Then I guess we'll be fighting you in the tournament. No hard feelings when we beat you right?"
HeR raised an eyebrow. "Well somebody's confident. The Colosseum hasn't even arrived in Vale yet and you're counting your eggs."
"HA! Well team RWBY's one of the best teams here, I'll have to see you in a fight to change my mind."
"Yeah, well—"
"Mercury!"
A girls voice called out.
They both turned in the direction of it as a dark-skinned girl with green hair stormed down the hallway.
"Your girlfriend?" Yang chuckled.
The silver-haired teen smirked. "She wishes, but too shy to say anything."
The blonde raised an eyebrow. "Rally? With that glare she doesn't look like she's shy."
The girl in question reached them and scowled at Mercury. "Where the hel have you been?"
Jhe shrugged. "Takin' a walk, what, you got a problem with me taken a lay of the land?"
Her scowl deepened. "Don't be an idiot, would you come on, we've got things to do. Not talking to…" Her eyes fell to Yang, who gave a little wave.
"Hey," she said. "Names Yang.
"Yeah, Emerald, charmed, now are you coming are what mercury?"
The blonde laughed. "Oh yeah, real shy."
"I know right?" Mercury stage-whispered.
Emerald growled and grabbed her teammates arm, hauling him away.
Yang watched them go with a grin. That had been interesting, nice to know there were some fun sorts arriving at Beacon for the festival.
Now to go find Sun.
She followed the advice of Mercury and sure enough she found Sun, for some reason on the cliff overlooking the forest. Neptune was with him.
"Yo!" she called out, and they nearly jumped out of their skin.
"Yang," Neptune gasped. "Don't scare us like that so close to the cliff. Seriously."
Yaang raised an eyebrow. "What are you guys even doing up here? The forest is filled with Grimm you know? Not exactly the nicest place to hang out."
"So it is true, dan," Sun shook his head. " And I thought our school was crazy, you guys are right next to a forest full of Grimm!"
"It's no big deal," she shrugged. "They launched us from the cliff for initiation. Well… okay maybe it was a little crazy, since we had to fight hundreds of Grimm."
"Hundreds?!" the Faunus gasped. "You're kidding right?"
"Nah… come to think of it, I don't think they ever actually figured out why there was so many, and there were some big ones too; like alphas, giant Nevermore and an Ouroboros."
They two Haven students stared at her.
"Anf you say it like it's no big deal." Neptune deadpanned. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."
"Well, it was eight of us fighting together so, and then one of the older students stepped in when it got way above the level first years are supposed to deal with. Why? What was your initiation like?"
Sun laughed. "They took us to the middle of the lake in Anima. There are a few small islands in the centre. We had boats that we had to sail back to the mainland and the first few teams to get there passed.
"It was awful!" Neptune wept.
Yang laughed. "So, have either of you seen Blake lately?"
"No, not today," Sun answered honestly. "Why, you plan on asking her to the dance?"
"E-em, no," the blonde blushed. "I just haven't seen her since this morning so I was wondering where she got off to."
"Well, sorry, I don't know where she could be. But, who are you bringing to the dance then?did you not do well with Blake?"
"N-no, it's not that, your advice really helped actually."
Real?" Sun gasped, sounding surprised. Yang's eye narrowed
"Yeah, t did. Why do you sound so surprised? You weren't trying to sabotage me were you?"
Sun paled at the accusation and his partner stepped in to save him before he could make it worse.
"It's not that," he told her. "It's just that Sun's not actually amazing with girls. He's like, the greatest wingman ever, I know, but when it comes to doing it himself he's basically hopeless."
Yang deflated. "Oh," she grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, sorry, guess I jumped to conclusions a little there but yeah, it worked."
"So, why aren't yo inviting her?"
She looked away. "I dunno, I mean what am I supposed to say to her? I don't even know if Blake likes that sort of thing shes always the quietest of our team, and I know that's not really saying much but still. Do you think she'd want to be dancing in a roomful of people?"
Neptune laughed. "Trust me, she would. All girls are different, but everybody likes to at least be asked to something like is. I mean come on Yang, whats the worst that could happen, she says no?"
"Yeah, and then I'm stuck in an awkward position as her partner!"
The blue-haired teen scoffed. "no, it's easier because she's your partner. If she says no you can just say that you wondered if the two of you wanted to go since you are partners. Besides, it's not awkward. The worst that'll happen is you'll feel a little bit embarrassed for a while and then you'll forget about it. It's not like you've got anything to lose."
Yang groaned. That was unfair, Neptune was hitting her with logic, one of her greatest weaknesses.
"Fine," she groused. "I'll ask her. Maybe"
"What are you wearing to the dance anyway.
The brawler shrugged.
"I haven't thought about it. Maybe a white dress or something, I have one in my closet that I never got to wear. Might as well give it a try."
Neptune laughed at that. And laughed some more. And some more. YSun inched away as it went on, getting more brittle the longer it got until he sighed and smiled.
"No." he stared her straight in the eye. "This dance is your best chance at getting serious for ages, you need to sweep Blake off her feet. If it happens again you can wear a dress, but you need to woo her with a suit."
"A suit?" she blinked. "Seriously?"
"Yeah!"
"But… a suit. Are you sure? I don't exactly have a figure that can fit in a suit you know?" she said, gesturing her, ahem, assets.
He scoffed again. "Then you're clearly not looking in the right place.
She sighed. He really meant it, and the sad thing was she knew she needed his help.
She sighed.
"Alright, I know a guy who can help me with the budget… can you help me find a suit?"
Neptune's eyes lit p and he was beside her in an instant, grasping her shoulders.
"We are going to rule the dance!" he proclaimed.
"Right…" she gave in. "So, what do you want? As payment I mean?"
He blinked, "Payment?"
"Well yeah, I need to pay you back so we're even obviously.
Neptune hummed. "Well, you don't need to pay me anything but… if we have time, could you teach me how to dance?"
Did.. she hear that right?
"Dancing? Why?"
"Nep doesn't know how to dance." Sun supplied helpfully.
"Seriously?"
"Yeah," he slumped. "I just can't do it, my feet get all tangled up, but you go to clubs all the time right? You know how to dance."
"Well yeah," she admitted. "But the dance is in two days!
"Then just teach me the basics." He begged.
"Fine." She huffed, but if we do this you have to really try. I'm not gonna waste my time."
"Thank you!" he said, shaking her hands. "Now first you need to go find Blake, then meet us in the courtyard so we can go to Vale and get you that suit."
"And I'll go too." Sun grinned. "besides, I need one myself for this thing."
"Who are you taking to the dance then Sun?" yang asked.
She shrugged. "I might ask someone later, but I just want to show up looking good, I need to upstage Scarlet!"
"Who?"
"Our teammate," Neptune told her. "the two of them are always trying to beat the other at something, ever since it all started when Sun told Scarlet that Vav from X-ray and Vav sucked."
"It does!" Sun growled, with more aggressiveness than Yang had averse seen from the Faunus. "Stupid Vav and his big nose!"
Neptune shot her an exasperated look. "So.. yeah, you better get to it."
"Right," she nodded, and turned to jog away. With one last look she smiled back at them. "See ya later guys!"
They waved as she left, and continued on her search for Blake. Maybe it was the first place she should have looked, but the library was her best bet. As to her reason why, Yang wasn't sure, she'd have thought her partner would want to take a break after all the craziness of the other day.
That was fine, she'd talk to Blake, invite her to the dance and if she said yes she said yes. Yang could think up the rest of her plan from there.
But when she arrived and saw Blake, she knew she'd been wrong.
Blake looked… honestly awful:
She sat hunched over one of the computers with notes scattered over the desk. Her ears were pressed flat against the top of her head and her hair was messy. She hadn't even bothered to maintain herself so she could get here faster.
Worst of all were the dark circles under her eyes.
Had… had Yang seen Blake go to bed last night? Now that she thought about it… had Blake slept properly in the few days after the night with the Paladin? She… Yang was usually the first one up to work out, but lately Blake had already been up before her. She hadn't thought much of it at the time but now… a frown set on her face.
Pushing the thoughts of the dance to the back of her head for the moment, and strode over to Blake.
The Her partner, usually so alert, didn't even notice her approach until she slammed her hands on the desk next to her.
She jumped and scowled up at the blonde. "What?!" she hissed.
Yang blinked at Blakes tone but didn't flinch back.
"What are you doing?" she asked instead. "classes are suspended until after the dance remember? And if I remember right we don't have any tests coming up."
"Who cares about tests?" the dark-haired girl glowered. "This is more important than something that useless."
"And what exactly is this?" Yang drawled.
"Everything I could find on the White Fang recently. Torchiwck said there was a mission they were going to be taking part in. something big if it was brought up at a Rally by him specifically. I've been looking into any rumours I can find, from Faunus populations in and outside the capital."
"So… how much have you looked through?" the blonde asked hesitantly.
"just a few hundred."
"WHAT?"
Blake gave her partner a confused look. "What?" she asked back in kind.
"Balek that's ridiculous!" Yang gaped. "You've been doing all of this by yourself? That too much."
A scowl overtook the ex-terrorists face again. "No, what's ridiculous is everyone insistence to ignore what's happening. Do you think the White Fang are done just because we stopped a recruitment night?
"So? Can't you just enjoy the victory when we got it and relax for a bit?"
"Relax?!" that was the wrong thing to say Yang realised because now Blake looked positively livid. "You want me to relax while people's lives are at stake?!"
"No but-"
"I can't believe you, you know what just leave me alone, I'll do this myself while all of you waste your time at the stupid dance. It's obvious you don't care."
Yang stared at her in disbelief, but that disbelief turned to anger as quick as her eyes turned red.
"Are you fuckin' serious?" she snarled "You're going to tell me I don't care when I've stuck my neck out over and over again to hel you? I was fucking shot at Blake, more than once because of your group of crazies."
"What did you call them?!" Blake snapped, suddenly rising to her feet.
"I called the crazies, why, is that wrong?" she bit back. Why was Blake even defending them? Why was she getting so angry at this anyway?
The girl's hands clenched into fists. "The White Fang are misguided victims, not crazy! Maybe you'd see it my way if you actually understood their struggle, how humanity has treated them."
Yang scoffed, and crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh yeah, because I'm going to listen to the words of murders. Not fucking likely. You can spout that shit all you want Blake, the White Fang is just a group of psychos who yous equality for Faunus as an excuse to kill whoever they like. Oobleck covered what happened to the Fauns, but maybe your people should work on getting rid of the psychos before pushing your problems on everybody else."
"Well you'd know all about being a psycho wouldn't you Yang?!"
"…" had she just-
"Y-yang I… I didn't-"
"Fuck you." She growled. "Actually go fuck yourself Blake. I can't believe I was actually worried about you. I was going to ask you to- you know what, forget about it. Don't go to the dace, see if I care."
"Wait, Yang just wait for a second please."
She didn't, Yang turned away from her so-called partner and stormed out of the library, ignoring Blakes please to stop.
Of course this had happened, what had she been thinking? Blake only cared about one thing, and the worse part was it wasn't even herself. Yang didn't need that, fuck that!
Now where the hel was Sun and Neptune? She needed to forget about this mess.
…
…
"So Mercury, is there a reason you have wasted my time with your little tour of the school?" a calm voice asked from the end of the bed.
Golden eyes burned through the silver-haired teen, even if his own were focused on the floor he could feel them on him. Three people inhabited the exchange student room. They were students, at least as far as Beacon was concerned, but in reality… he swallowed
"I was just getting a lay of the land Cinder. I wanted to make sure I know exactly what I'm dealing with. Assassins preparedness, you understand right?"
"Oh of course," she agreed sarcastically, although it was more threatening since it was Cinder doing it. there weren't many people you could light your insides on fire after all. "I will let it go this time since there was precious little lost, but do not make the same mistake again mercury."
"Understood." He bowed.
Emerald watched this all from the sidelines with a twisted glee. "Maybe you'll think twice before wasting your time on some blonde bimbo in the hallway Merc."
The assassin couldn't resist and smirked. "Jealous babe? Don't worry, all you have to do is ask and I'll pay you just as much attention. And by ask I mean beg obviously."
"GO choke on your own tongue bastard."
"Now why are you thinking about me tongue dear Em?"
"Enough." Their leader ordered. They quietened down, but not before shooting each other glares. Cinder frowned. This petty back and forth between them had grown as of late what more was the fact that besides how irritating it was to listen to, they also seemed to be less fearful of her words. Oh the fear was still their, the knowledge that they would be punished, but it had been lessened as of late.
She blames Watts. The man's pompous attitude irked her enough without the face he looked down on her despite the fact she had half of the maidens powers.
She could kill him. She could, but her disciples believed the two of them were equals. They were not. The idea was preposterous. There was only one person Cinder saw as her equal, and she was-
She shook her head, clearing those thoughts. Now was not the time for sentimentality.
"We will move on to business." She said. "The dance is in two days, we must prepare so that on that night thing go smoothly. Watts has supplied us with a virus that I will upload onto the CCT network the two of you will need to monitor the situation down below and keep track of all of the party goers. Is that understood?"
"Yes ma'am." They nodded in unison. Good. This would go off without a hitch so long as they fulfilled their roles.
"good, then the two of you shall go as the others date while I slip off. When I return I will take my place with you Mercury."
Emerald blanched, although whether it was because she would be close to Mercury of because Cinder would she couldn't tell. Emerald was terribly devoted to her like that. It would be endearing if it didn't get in the way so much.
Still, they would carry out their objective she was sure.
As for herself; she needed to finish this disguise first, and with it she should be free to move in on the night. If she met resistance she could easily subdue them. She had no issue with slaughtering anyone foolish enough to get in her way, but it risked bringing too much-unwanted attention to the school later, and if they were to retain their cover that would be inadvisable.
No, she would play I clean, stealthy and professional is she could help it.
Nothing was going to get in her way.
…
…
"Oh! How about this one?" Neptune asked, holding up a grey suit.
Sun scoffed. "Grey? Really dude? She's not eighty. I thought fashion was your thing."
"It is!" The teen insisted. "But it's kind of hard to do that when someone isn't paying attention"
"Huh? Wha?" Yang blinked.
"See?" Neptune sighed exasperatedly. "Come on Yang, this isn't going to work if you don't give me your opinions on the suits here."
"I know, I know." The blonde replied glumly.
Sun gave her a questioning look.
"Are you doing okay Yang? you seem kinda… off."
She flinched visibly and wasn't quite able to look him in the eye as she nodded. "Y-yeah its just that… I talked with Blake."
He winced. "Did it not go too well?"
"I think I royally screwed it up." She groaned.
"So? If you know you did something wrong just go apologies." The Faunus said, as if it was the simplest thing in the world.
She scowled. "I'm not apologising, she said some stuff that was just as bad as me. If she wasn't to beg for forgiveness I might ask the same, but I'm not gonna do it first"
Yang knew she was being irrational, that this could all be solved by just going back on talking with her partner. But why the hel should hse do that? Yang didn't think anything she said was wrong, and Blake had… she'd hit below the belt, targeting a part of Yang's life that she'd opened up to her about. She'd thrown it back in her face.
No, she wasn't apologising. That was just the kind of person she was: anytime someone had messed with her she's either make them regret it with a punch they'd remember, or she'd dig her heels in until they were at her feet. Sure, it might not have been the best way to make friends, but what did she care?
Yang wasn't a forgiving kind of person. She'd forget about it, sure, act like everything was fine and move on as if she'd never cared in the first place, but she' never forgive it, not unless they begged for forgives on their hands and knees.
Yeah, it was definitely one of her biggest flaws, to hold a grudge like that but…
Whatever, it didn't matter.
She sighed. "Listen Nep, I don't think it's gonna work out. I don't think there's any point in-"
"Stop right there." He ordered. "You may have given up but I haven't. You need something to wear at the dance, even if it's not with Blake.
"Nut if I'm not going with anyone what's the point?"
He stared at her likes she was an idiot, and she was starting to feel like one honestly.
"Yang, the suit was so that you could wow Blake yeah, but you're not going to the dance for her, you're going for you, to have fun and feel good about yourself. I told you I was going to get you something that would leave everybody staring and that's exactly what I'm going to do.."
He gave her a levelled glare. "Now get over here and tell me what you think or so help me I'll give you a reason not to go to the dance and shave you bald."
Yang paled and nodded rapidly. "R-right."
Sun snickered from the side-lines and winked at her. "Yeah, Neptune's scary side comes out when it comes to looking good."
"You get over here too Sun, or do you want people to mistake you for a Rat Faunus instead of a monkey?"
"C-coming buddy!"
…
…
"And this is my team leader, RWBY. Weiss finished, introducing her younger partner to a group of second years. The heiress had corralled Ruby into coming with her to the ballroom. It was decorated for the most part In all sorts of colours, and tables surrounded the edges. It looked like the setting up of the dance was almost finished at least, although by the looks of it they weren't done.
The leader of team CFVY tipped their sunglasses down a little to look over them at Ruby. "Names Coco. Yeah, I think I remember you.i've seen you around during combat training. You're one of the first years that was moved up in combat class right."
"Yeah I am." Ruby nodded. "So, Weiss said she was working with you on this. Am I here to help or…"
The older student grinned. "Heh, straight to the point, I like that, yeah we've got all the planning and hard work done, now we just need some extra pair of hands to finish up. Weiss here said you'd be happy to help."
The reaper blinked. "She did."
"Well, no," Coco admitted. "But she said you didn't have anything else going on so I took that as an invitation."
Weiss coughed in embarrassment beside her.
"Anyway," she went on. "The job I've got for you isn't too hard if you do what you're told. You'll be tying some knots and moving some stuff around, easy right."
"It would be if you were a little less Vauge." Ruby drawled.
Coco laughed and waved a hand dismissively. "Weiss can help you figure it out, I gotta get back to fox and the big guy to make sure they're doing what they're told. Have fun!"
With that, she walked away and left the two first years by themselves. When she was far enough away Weiss turned to Ruby.
"I am so sorry," she gasped. "it came up in a passing conversation that our team wasn't working on anything too difficult or strenuous and she told me to ask for your help."
She really hadn't, and she hopped Ruby wouldn't be upset about it, even if it did make her happy that her partner would be helping her with this. No, it wasn't because of what Nora had said, that was still ridiculous. She would prove it, using everyone's first names would be the start, then she'd shove it right back in the girls face.
Ruby rolled her eyes. "It's fine Weiss. I mean, I wasn't expecting to help but it's not like I'm doing anything right now. So just tell me what you need me to do and we'll get it done."
"Right, of course," the Heiress nodded. "Well then come with me," she said, walking over to one side of the hall near the entrance. "we need to fasten these banners first of all, and once we're done that we can move on to carrying the speakers to the stage."
"Right.
They got to work, carefully going about the work of placing finely decorated tapestry – that Ruby didn't even want to know how they got their hands on it – to the side and top of the door. It was the golden symbol of Beacon, probably a way of reminding visiting students where they were.
In the moments of silence Ruby spoke up.
"Hey… Weiss?"
"Yes Ruby?"
"I was meaning to ask you but… are you okay? You've seemed a bit off since before the warehouse."
"What… do you mean?"
"I don't know.," she admitted. "I just… have I done something wrong? You keep giving me looks and I don't know what they're supposed to mean."
Weiss cleared her throat. "You saw those did you?"
She laughed. "I'm a sniper Weiss, having good eyesight is sorta one of the essentials. So... yeah, I saw them. I don't know what they mean though so like, did I do or say something I shouldn't have?"
"No of course not," Weiss protested. "It's…. complicated. I'm not sure what I can say to explain it without sounding ridiculous."
"You listen to me everytime something stupid comes out of my mouth," Ruby giggled. "you don't have to worry. I'm sure whatever it is you have to say isn't nearly as bad as you think."
"I…"
"Hello friend Ruby and friend Weiss!"
The two partners were shocked out of their conversation at the voice of a bubbly newcomer.
"P-penny! Ruby gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"I was made aware that you would be assisting in the preparation for the dance on Sunday. I also came to offer my assistance."
"W-well did you have to sneak up on us like that?" Weiss glowered.
Penny tilted her head. "I had been calling out you names for the last sixty seconds but you did not respond. You are the only two in this room that I have acquainted myself with so I thought it would be an acceptable decision to speak to you first."
They blinked and the heiress deflated.
"Oh…" she said. "Right, sorry then. I suppose we weren't paying attention."
"You are forgiven friend Weiss. Now, is there any way I can offer my assistance?"
"Well… we do have some more work to do," Weiss acknowledged. "We've finished here, we should move onto arranging the speakers in the right place but they are heavy. Perhaps you should-"
"Is this helpful?" the girl asked, lifting the speaker which was three times her size and far heavier than any girl should rightly be able to lift… except if you were maybe Yang or Nora."
Except even then they would have to put some effort into it. Penny held it above her head like it weighed nothing.
Ruby looked on with stars in her eyes.
"That's so cool!" she preened.
"Thank you Ruby. I am happy to assist."
With that they got back to work, and with an extra person to voice their thoughts with they fell into a more comfortable conversation.
"So Panny," Weiss began. "You study in Atlas, is it any different from here? I never got to learn much about it rather than what my sister told me."
"Oh it is very different Weiss." Penny smiled brightly. "The entire school is highly structured, regimental and intent on instilling discipline into the future generation of Huntsman and Huntresses. Duty and loyalty as well as laws and protocol is the forefront of the school's policy."
"I see." Weiss nodded. "What is it like for you then?"
"What do you mean?"
Well, it's just that you don't seem very… regimental. If you don't mind me saying."
Oh, from what I know not all students are like that. Atlas is are that expression is important, especially after the war. My father encouraged me to learn, grow and express myself as much as possible. I'd like to think General Ironwood encourages this."
"You know the General."
"Of course! AS the headmaster of the school he has interacted with me aplenty. After all, my father in one of the Head Atlesian scientists, and with my participation as one of the teams brought here to beacon for the tournament I have spoken to him many times."
The heiress hummed. My sister has spoken highly of him as her commander, however I am… personally unsure what he is like in person. From what I have seen at a distance when he arrived her at Beacon and passing in the hallway he is fairly intimidating."
"Oh do not worry wises. I am aware that the General may seem stalwart in his demeanour but is without a doubt a fair person and encourages his students to do their best while caring about their safety, Ruby can attest to this herself."
Weiss blinked, turning to her leader. "She can?"
"A-ah! Well," Ruby sweated. Behind her Penny seemed to realise what she said and give an apologetic . that was great an all but now she'd landed heer in this situation. Penny wasn't good at lying was she? This was supposed to be something kept between them and the members of the order. The fact that it was a truthful response usually would have please Ruby but really? Right now of all times?
"I only talked to him a few times. I was interested in the fact that I got in early, and since Ozpin and him know each other he thought it was a good idea to talk to me in person. But, yeah, from what I can tell he's a nice guy. A little scary like you said, but more the way that he leads an army. I think its more of a side effect than anything he actually does. He's a bit formal though for a school."
Weiss watched her for a second longer before nodding slowly. It looked like she'd taken the explanation for what it was.
"That does make sense," she said at last. "My sister always told me what it was like when I was still thinking about enlisting in Atlas but… I am pleased that I chose to study here in Vale instead."
"Oh it does seem wonderful here," Penny agreed. "Its so much more lovely here, it's so exciting and colourful and far warmer than Atlas.i think it would be wonderful to stay here in fact."
Ruby perked up. "You mean transferring schools?" that's a big jump. You wouldn't have a team to join if you did."
"yes that is true, but I believe some of the other Atlas students would be happy to join too. I have spoken to the members of team FNKI and they seem positively joyous. They'd fit in so well here, and Ciel might be willing to come with me, she's my partner by the way."
Weiss couldn't help but chuckle. "Well you sound like you have this all planned out."
"Oh yes," she nodded. "I have spent the last few minuted thinking about it and I think I have come up with a solution!"
"M-minutes!?" Weiss gasped.
Ah right, Ruby thought, Penny had that skill to deal with information really fast. She was like a supercomputer or something.
It was weird, but Ruby never thought she'd ever be friends with someone like Penny, someone as socially awkward as her, but so bright and happy it was like she hadn't a care in the world.
Which was strange in itself when you thought about how Penny knew about the relics, the maiden,s Salem and all the other crazy stuff in the world.
Maybe that was why the strange girl was so easy to like; because even though they were faced with all those things, that terrified Ruby to her core she could act like it didn't matter.
Ruby was good at hiding her fear, but it was still here… maybe because she hadn't aimed to be a huntress. She wanted to be one, sure, but after years it had… taken a back seat. It was always about fighting an insurmountable darkness when Ozpin was concerned, about fighting a war that's lasted thousands of years and being on the defensive side, always standing your ground but never advancing. Penny was aiming for a huntresses life, it was easy to see, a different life than Ruby, a life focused on helping people, on fighting monsters and inspiring hope.
Like her mother had, all that time ago.
She shook her head.
This wasn't the place to think about… things that painful
Just focus on preparing for the party.
They focused on the job at hand, and about thirty or so minutes later the rest of team CFVY finished up on their end.
Velvet was the first to talk to them.
"You three need any help over here?" she smiled. Ruby and Weiss gladly accepted, and Yansuhashi and Foxx got to work moving the crates of food and drink for everyone.
Coca whistled at the work done so far by the three first years. "Wow, I I didn't expect you squirts to do so good. Guess we're lucky you guys were willing to help."
Weiss preened. "It's nothing," she said. "We were just doing our duty as underclassmen."
"Why don't you reward us then?"
"Ru- wait, Penny?" Weiss gaped. Ruby might have been a little miffed that her partner had expected her to be the one wanting payment, but Penny of all people?!
"Is something wrong? I am just suggesting that our good work be rewarded. That is proven to be the best method to encourage improvement in the future." Penny kept a straight face through her explanation as if she was suggesting something like second years paying them for a volunteer job completely reasonable like saying that water was wet.
Coco just grinned. "Hey, what do you know, you got some hustle kid. Alright. How about this; I have a guy who knows how to smuggle some of the stuff Goodwitch doesn't allow. Maybe I can sneak in some of the good stuff to replace the punch? Like a stiff drink."
"Deal!" Ruby latching onto the offer instantly. "No deal." Weiss countered deadpan. "Penny can drink it if she wants but please refrain from offering any alcohol to Ruby. The rumours are already bad enough without proof that the leader of team RWBY is an alcoholic. I know you just want to record the aftermath of a drunk Ruby"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Coco said imperiously. The grin on her face suggested she knew exactly what she was talking about.
Ruby sighed in defeat and Weiss deemed fit to change the conversation.
"So Velvet, how have things been for you lately?"
"Humm? Oh they've been good thank you for asking. But you don't need to worry."
"Ah. Well it's just that after Cardin has been spending more time with our group I worried you would take that poorly."
Coco scoffed. "We couldn't even if we wanted to. Velv was all insistent in forgiving the guy after he stopped messing with her, even if we only heard about it after he stopped. Yats and I were planning on exacting vengeance anyway on a matter of principle but then the guy came to our door and apologised."
"You forgave him then?" the heiress hummed.
"Kinda hard not to when the guy had his forehead pressed against the floor. I mean there's apologising and then there's that."
"Cardin's a nice guy," Ruby defended. "He's just got… complicated circumstances."
"Yeah, I can tell," She smirked. "But we couldn't really say anything since Velvets all lovey-dovey with him."
"COCO!" the Faunus blushed.
"Really, You and Cardin?" well that's a thing." Ruby laughed. "I wonder if his team knows."
Weiss groaned. "Now that you mention it I think they do. They were particularly teasing of him this morning breakfast. They must have recently found out. "
"Well that's what guys do when they find out a friend has a girlfriend."
"COCO!"
"What?"
"I'm not his girlfriend. We just talked a little when we got the chance. He's a gentleman and it was so different from how he acted before that I wanted to find out why. We. Talked."
"So he's not going to be accompanying you to the dance?"
"…"
"I'm not hearing a no~"
"You are the worst teammate ever." Velvet sighed.
Coco chuckled and turned to them. "Anyway, I think you guys have done enough. All that's left is to put on the finishing touches." She made a shooing motion. "Go on and scram, enjoy the rest of your day and get ready for Sunday."
"Are you sure? We could still help." Weiss insisted.
"Nah, we got this, now go."
They did as they were told, and the three students made their way out of the hall.
"That was a sensational experience!" Penny beamed. "It was so fun to help with such planning of festivities. I have an idea now that we are finished, would the two of you like to get ice cream?"
Weiss blinked. "Ice cream, now?"
"Of course! I have heard that eating ice cream with a friend is a great way to improve relations."
Ruby and Weiss shared a look, before the reaper in red shrugged. "Well she's not wrong. Come on, we might as well after that."
"Oh alright, but I refuse to pay for you!"
"Hey! I'm not poor, miss Heiress."
"Then you can prove it by buying your own treat."
"Bah!"
…
…
"Okay, come on out!" Neptune called to Yang from outside the changing rooms.
Yang took a breath as she fastened the last button up. She hadn't looked in any mirror yet, trusting boys to give her the detail she needed, and there was a proper mirror outside.
She stepped out and was met with a smile from Neptune and an appreciative whistle from Sun.
"There we go," the blue-haired teen grinned. "Finally a good look."
Yang turned her head to peek at her reflection.
Wow… she did look good.
The suit wasn't tight, but the black material was formfitting and slimming.
In short, it clung to her body invitingly. Yeah, it was more of a tuxedo than a suit but that just made her look better.
"So this is what you're going with then?"
Yeah, yeah it was.
Yang smirked, feeling better than she had all day, a fire lighting in her chest.
Heh... she hoped she sounded extra cheesy.
It was time to dance.
...
On to the next part, the dance and all the teen romance you could ever gorge on...
Well, hopefully not, instead you'll be getting an interesting little surprise soon. This series of chapters will of course be about getting to know the characters we all love more, and hopefully it'll be a fun little read, personally, it's the part I'm most worried about, mainly due to the fact that for me writing romance is difficult.
ah well, we'll see how it goes.
So what did you like about the chapter? What did you hate? feel free to let me know.
And as always, Follow, Favourite and Review.
BYE!
P a treon . com (slash) WSpectre